Dockworkers across the East and Gulf Coasts have initiated a historic strike, halting operations at ports from Maine to Texas. This strike, the first of its kind in almost 50 years, involves approximately 45,000 workers and threatens to disrupt the shipping of goods nationwide, potentially leading to shortages and inflated prices. The standoff, stemming from disputes over wages and concerns regarding automation, has raised alarms about its impact on the broader economy, with experts suggesting that consumers may face higher prices in grocery stores due to the halted cargo operations. As thousands of dockworkers join picket lines, businesses brace for significant disruptions, while officials advise residents against panic buying despite the looming threat of shortages.